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Clapham, 20th February, 5.25pm
It was AGM time again for Croydon Camogie Club (1 day and 5 minutes earlier than last year's for the record!), at a new venue of the Bread and Roses, Clapham (nice find B, I think we will be returning, that beer garden caught my eye.....).
So only 25 minutes late starting, and it was Rita who got things off to a flyer, rattling through her Chairperson's address. I'd summarise it as follows:
- Great to have so many involved on the committee in 2009, and all did brilliantly.
- Great to have Neil on board as trainer, and the girls (those that showed up!), really enjoyed his training. His enthusiasm and commitment was fantastic.
- We failed to deliver on the pitch....have to sort that out.
But she finished with a rallying cry, so motivating that I felt like playing a match there and then, and I was only on soft drinks, so it was all down to Rita, good woman. If we win anything this year Rita, I'll single out that moment as a defining one of the year!
Then it was over to one of the young ones, Sarah and her secretary's report. Nice report Sarah, I recognise some of those expressions, kid, but I forgive ya! Included congrats to the married (Mairead) and engaged (Clarkie and Little Mel), and a welcome to the new girls, 2 of whom were brave enough to attend the AGM....sure hope they come back!
Over to Sharon, and good to see we have a few quid in the kitty....hmmmm....must put some thought into trips away.... Some bright spark (!) proposes a new "social" membership fee....just trying to collar some of the recent retirees....Collier and Treasaigh be warned!
Then on to the serious business. Dunphy is elected senior captain (that's the two kids graduated to captaincy now, how proud I am), and "oul" reliable Sharon, who's as enthusiastic as ever, is elected vice-captain. Good stuff.
The officers....Rita's the only nomination for Chair....at least we know she wants it, since she didn't nominate anyone else herself. Deadly, job done. We have a contest for vice-chair, always a good sign, and Jenni is elected. Secretary is Bridget (club this year, co next year maybe B?!), and her assistant is Sarah. Thanks for last year Sarah, I know it's a tough job! Oh but B, you'll be grand! Treasurer is Sharon again, and a clear message, no money, no gear! PRO is Clare (just thought I'd save ya a job here Clare, though maybe not the report you had in mind...), and then there's some chat about a new role of Development Officer. Sinead O'D is keen but a Southend commute is a problem. We're about to leave it vacant....and then.... out of the blue, the wannabe Rose herself pipes up, Alison will give it a go! Good for you Alison, I think you'll be great at it, and best of luck in the London Rose contest.....and the Brighton half-marathon.....and the London Marathon....no stopping you girl! General committee members....nice one Rita, sure just ask everyone there, the more foot soldiers you have, the better. Fordie, Sinead O'D and Elaine are it (with more of ye to be asked at a later date.....don't anyone get smug!).
Neil's on board again for 2010, though unsure of what commitment he can give. But great to have him. Training will be this week, as long as we can share the lights.
Bríd announces her retirement.....is that the mistake some of us made....we never actually said, "don't text or call me"....respect, Bríd. Thanks for the memories! Especially the psycho moment in Holly Lane.....classic!
AOB...."can we talk about the Boston Sevens?", says Alison. Someone mentions Birmingham tournament, which clashes with a county fixture - girls should go to one or the other, guilt free, as long as they go to one of them. Someone mentions the Tara Sevens.....yes, we'll be playing. "Can we talk about the Boston Sevens?", says Alison again. You after a trip abroad Ali?! Miami....is that October? Dubai....February 2011? Right, pattern emerging....they want to go somewhere....one for the new committee to address. A return trip to Kilanena? Yes, of course (but don't forget the Boston Sevens.....).
A club reunion? Yep, sounds like a plan. We're 25 years on the go next year says Mary Mac, sounds like a decent excuse.
That's alot of ideas, on our first get-together. It could be a good year.... Right, wrap it up, 6.45 and time for a drink.
Collier?! No, really, Collier, is that you?! Wonders will never cease.... Would you be a selector this year? Not if it's raining says Fordie....
Ann, "the new girl", sticks around, to suss us out. Quiet enough to start. Then Fordie starts to worry about staying off the drink if there's a club session in the Ramble before Easter.....Ann pipes up "I like the sound of this club!". Ha! She's one of us! And that took less than 4 hours. Welcome! Fordie buys her a drink....
That's where I left them.....drinking away....and sensible me headed home. I am getting old.....
